Forest Products Industry

Forest & Wood Products Australia has shared new research introducing biased position testing as a cost-effective and efficient method for the verification of structural softwood timber properties. Source: Timberbiz This innovative approach can unlock significant cost savings and improved efficiency whilst maintaining rigorous verification of structural softwood timber strength and stiffness properties. When it comes to quality control and product performance, random selection is traditionally used for sampling structural timber. However, biased selection can also be used. Random selection is like drawing names from a hat; every item has an equal chance to be tested, giving a statistically clear picture of overall quality. Biased selection, however, is based on picking samples (i.e. with known defects) which give specific insights, but not about the whole group. Biased ratios are essentially formulas that help translate results from that second biased sample into the results expected, as if the whole sample set was randomly tested. So, biased selection testing allows for a reduction in testing costs by utilising a smaller sample size while achieving the same level of confidence in the verification results. This cost-saving measure is particularly advantageous for sawn timber products such as MGP12, MGP10, and F5. This project was led by Professor Jon Shanks, Director of TimberED Services and Associate Professor in Timber Engineering at University of Tasmania and was conducted in collaboration with University of South Australia. “By focusing on the grade-determining features of the timber, biased position testing provides direct feedback on the grading process with fewer boards tested,” Prof Shanks said. To ensure compatibility with existing design values and standards, this project developed a process to establish appropriate Biased Ratios for quality control testing. “This research demonstrates what can be achieved by collaboration between industry stakeholders, in this case showing that biased position testing does work and can ensure continued product compliance,” Gavin Matthew, CEO at Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia, said. “By embracing this new sampling method, the timber industry can maintain high levels of quality control, whilst reducing costs and improving overall productivity.” Chris Lafferty, RD&E Manager at FWPA said this innovative approach offered cost savings, improved efficiency, and accurate estimation of properties. “It is a significant step towards enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry,” he said.

At the heart of Australia’s largest construction and design show, the SydneyBuild Expo 2024, Responsible Wood stood as a beacon for sustainable forestry and ethical supply chains. Source: Timberbiz With more than 25,000 registered visitors, including contractors, architects, and construction professionals, the event provided a platform for industry leaders to showcase innovations and discuss pressing issues facing the sector. Responsible Wood’s presence was marked by the active involvement of Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh, hosting a networking hub session and delivering a compelling presentation on certified sustainable forestry and responsible supply chains. Reflecting on the significance of the expo, Mr de Jongh said that SydneyBuild offered a unique opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the construction industry and drive conversations around sustainability. “It’s crucial for us to highlight the importance of sourcing wood from responsibly managed forests to ensure the long-term health of our ecosystems,” he said. Throughout the expo, attendees were treated to displays from leading companies in sustainable construction, including XLam and NextGen TimberLink. XLam and NextGen TimberLink, all frontrunners in timber solutions. They showcased their engineered timber products tailored for efficient prefabricated construction, also emphasising the importance of Australian-made engineered wood products and their role in promoting carbon capture and storage. The synergy between exhibitors and attendees fostered an environment ripe for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Responsible Wood’s networking hub session provided a forum for stakeholders to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for advancing sustainable practices in the industry. “Events like SydneyBuild facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among industry professionals,” Mr de Jongh said. “By working together, we can drive positive change and build a more sustainable future.” The expo also featured a diverse range of conference stages, workshops, and entertainment, further enriching the experience for participants. With topics spanning from digital construction to diversity and inclusion, SydneyBuild offered a comprehensive platform for learning and engagement. SydneyBuild Expo 2024 served as a catalyst for promoting sustainability and innovation within the construction industry. Through Responsible Wood’s active participation and thought leadership, Mr de Jongh reaffirmed the crucial role of certified sustainable forestry in shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious built environment.

Protesters have escalated their attacks on Victoria’s forestry industry as they move to target both private native forestry and plantations, according to Forest and Wood Communities Australia. Source: Timberbiz FWCA executive officer Michael Harrington said protestors, emboldened by the end of public native forestry and their misguided ideology, have escalated their attacks on Victoria’s forestry industry. “Their irrational crusade extends beyond shows no sign of stopping as they move to target both private native forestry and plantations, disregarding the fact that these operations are conducted sustainably, in accordance with strict regulations,” Mr Harrington said. He said contractors legally engaged to do storm clean-up and reduce fire fuel loads in the Daylesford area have had machinery worth up to a million dollars smashed, spikes driven into timber and threatening messages painted on their machinery including “Whether it be Vicforest or FMM – if you destroy our forests – you kill our koalas and you become a target”. “This behaviour is unfortunately quietly supported by many within the state Labor government as they refuse to publicly denounce this illegal, threatening and dangerous behaviour,” Mr Harrington said. “Meanwhile, the Victorian State Labor government’s abandonment of forestry contractors is a farcical disgrace. “Instead of standing up for hardworking families, they cower before the Greens and LEAN (Labor Environment Action Network), leaving businesses uncompensated and vulnerable to weaponised and baseless investigations if they dare speak to media about their experiences.” Mr Harrington said that contractors and their families had spoken on condition of anonymity to FWCA. There were multiple experiences where contractors were informed by government and transition/compensation authorities they were eligible for compensation and receiving confirmation via test bank transfer payments of $0.02 deposited into their accounts, and then informed a short time later they would not be receiving any compensation. “It’s a cruel joke at the expense of hardworking Australians who have dedicated their lives to sustaining Victoria’s forestry sector,” Mr Harrington said. “The consequences of these reprehensible actions are far-reaching and dire. “Entire communities, built on the backbone of the forestry industry, face the spectre of unemployment and economic ruin. The social fabric of these regions is torn asunder, as families are left to fend for themselves in the wake of government betrayal and environmental extremism.” Mr Harrington said that amidst this turmoil, the need for a staunch defence of Victoria’s forestry heritage has never been more urgent. “It’s time to reject the radical agenda of environmental extremists and hold the government accountable for its complete disdain for working families. Forestry is not only an economic necessity but also a proud renewable tradition that must be upheld for the prosperity of future generations,” he said. “The assault on Victoria’s sustainable native timber sector by government bureaucrats angling for their next promotion and radical environmentalists set on destroying any industry that offends them – must be met with unwavering resistance. “It’s time for the state Labor government to stand up for Victoria’s remaining forestry sector, for the hardworking men and women who depend on it, and ensure those that are being made redundant or are leaving the industry to pursue other opportunities are looked after and compensated in a just and supportive way. “Unfortunately, the absence of extensive further compensation and community recovery commitments in this current state budget are just another betrayal of working-class families and an affront to the prosperity of our state and nation.”